The museum overhauled its exhibits and temporarily closed its location at 13 N. Wall St.
"This building itself is an appropriate place for a historic showcase," said Trey Gaines, museum director. "It's been a dream of the museum to be in this location since the early 1990s."
All of the exhibits from the previous location on North Wall Street were redesigned at the old courthouse, while others were expanded and new displays were created.
"I love the new location," said Marijon Battles, a major contributor to the fundraising for the event and a Capital Campaign Leader. "This is our heritage, and I can't wait for the community to take part of it."
Fundraising for the move of the museum began in April 2009 to construct exhibits, cover moving expenses and to assist in the preservation of artifacts.
"The community really stepped up and supported the cause," Gaines said. "All of the pieces made it here intact."
The courthouse is older and more historic, adding another part of history to the elements now contained within its walls. "The building is bigger and enables more exhibit space and programming that could not be accomplished at the other site," Gaines added.
Joe Bazelmans, originally from Holland and a former owner of the building, admired the restorations to the courthouse, saying that the location "was in dire need of repair and looks beautiful."
"It's unique for a community to have something like this," said Leonard Gandy, a guest at Saturday's event. "It's good to look back and see where we're all coming from."
The museum will open to the general public Dec. 10, resuming normal hours of operation, Monday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The location on North Wall Street will remain open for historical archives and the research library Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., or by appointment.
Anyone wishing to contribute to the funding of future exhibits and the preservation of Bartow County history may contact Trey Gaines at 770-382-3818 ext. 6286 or at treyg@bartowhistorymuseum.org.